John Candy’s beloved family paid tribute to the actor on Saturday on the 29th anniversary of his tragic death at the age of 43.
Iconic actor Candy – who was famous for starring in films such as Home Alone, Cool Runnings and Planes, Trains and Automobiles – died of a heart attack on March 4, 1994, leaving behind his wife Rosemary and two young children Jennifer and Chris.
Jennifer, now 43, Chris, 38, and Rosemary, 73, shared harrowing snaps of the actor as they mark nearly three decades without him.
Jennifer posted a cute photo showing her as a toddler with her dad, writing, “You’ll always be here.” We will always miss you. You will always be loved.
Chris shared a photo of his dad standing by a river and wrote, “Sending my dad love today.” 29 years ago you started a new journey. I miss you and think of you often. I still think of you daily.
“Loss is never easy, but I can say optimistically that it is one of life’s great teachers.”
Rose posted a photo of the actor waving on set and wrote, “I was looking through some photos today and thought this was a good pic to post.” I miss you today. As always with love.’
This comes after it was revealed a documentary giving untold insight into Candy’s life, career and tragic death was directed by Colin Hanks and Ryan Reynolds.
Variety reported that Amazon was in negotiations to acquire the untitled film directed by Hanks, 45, and produced by Reynolds, 46, and George Dewey through his production company, Maximum Effort.
The film – made with the full support of Candy’s family – would provide insight into Candy’s private family life off-screen.
It will also feature previously unseen home videos, archives and family interviews.
Hanks’ father, Tom Hanks, and stepmother Rita Wilson starred with Candy in the 1985 film Volunteers, with Candy also appearing in 1984’s Splash alongside Hanks and Daryl Hannah.
Hanks is also producing the documentary with Sean Stuart and Glen Zipper of Zipper Bros Films.
Reynolds is known for his affinity with fellow Canadian actor Candy and his friendship with his family.
On the 25th anniversary of her death in March 2019, he shared a touching video montage of the star, with support from Candy’s children.
Reynolds wrote; “It’s the 25th anniversary of John Candy’s passing. We’ve cooked up a little tribute to a comic genius and Canadian hero. If you haven’t seen much of his work, check out his films. He was a treasure .
Chris Candy called the video “lovely” while Jennifer Candy wrote: “It made me cry”. It’s so amazing and sweet!. He has so many people who absolutely love him, he was one of the best.
Candy first rose to fame through his work as a member of the Toronto branch of the improv comedy group The Second City in 1972. He later joined the cast of the Toronto comedy variety show Second City Television which was picked up by NBC in 1981 and became a huge hit.
The show won Emmy Awards in 1981 and 1982 for its writing.
His breakout role came when he played the womanizing brother of Tom Hanks’ character in Splash, which received universal acclaim.
Candy has appeared in a number of comedies throughout her career, including Spaceballs and Cool Runnings.
He had a minor, but important, role as “Polka King of the Midwest” on Home Alone. His character Gus Polinski helps reunite Kevin with his mother, which gives him a happy ending.
He actually starred alongside Macaulay Culkin in the 1989 film Uncle Buck before they were reunited on the set of the holiday movie.
He won legions of fans for his role as shower curtain salesman Del Griffith in the 1987 classic, Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
The film follows the story of anxious and stern businessman Neale Page (Steve Martin) who tries to get home to see his family in Chicago.
Stuck in a Kansas airport lounge after an emergency landing, Page must befriend Griffith who lets him spend the night in a run-down motel.
Together, the two, from vastly different social classes, must overcome their intense dislike for each other and bring Page home.
At the time, the film received critical acclaim, with John Candy being nominated for Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture that year.